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Transformers

Prepare to convert into a 10-year-old again

By Matt Pais, Metromix

July 2, 2007

Critic's Rating:

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Awkward teen Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf, now officially a star) becomes ensnared in a war between good robots (Autobots) and evil ones (Decepticons) that double as cars, helicopters and other modes of transportation. This not only alerts the military but interferes with Sam's plans to win over the hottest girl in school (Megan Fox). Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and Anthony Anderson also appear.

Big question: Can director Michael Bay ("Armageddon") crank up this cartoon adaptation into an entertaining action flick, or will his over-the-top style take it too far?

Catch it: All you'll get from this blockbuster is babes, macho men, explosions and massive hunks of metal, but what more does a summer movie really need? As awe-inspiring CGI creatures run wild, "Transformers" isn't more than meets the eye, but your eyes sure won't complain.

Skip it: If you just want the vehicles to turn into giant robots, not comedians with a surprising number of one-liners. Autobot leader Optimus Prime and his gang can sell merchandise, but they can't buy a laugh by saying, in their deep, computerized monotone, "My bad."

Bottom line: Though Bay may not know how to avoid clanging dialogue (the army guys' catch phrase "Bring the rain!") or action overkill (the cool but redundant all-out finale), all you can do is grin, shake your head and let "Transformers" steamroll you into having a blast.

Bonus: Great news for Mountain Dew's ad reps: Viewers will be much more inclined to "Do the Dew" once they realize that failure to do so will result in the soda machine coming to life and attacking them!

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